The Jadcup Tuatara collected their first win of the Sal’s NBL season after defeating the Nelson Giants 81-72 at Eventfinda Stadium on Sunday.
The return of 2023 MVP Rob Loe and a huge crowd inspired the Tuatara to their first win of the season and the first of the Cam Gliddon era.
Guard Josh Wyllie enjoyed a career night – scoring a team-high 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal.
Loe chipped in with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists but his general presence was key for the Tuatara.
The Giants didn’t go away and got within seven points in the final minute but the home held their nerve.
They face a double-header road trip next weekend with visits to the Sharks in Invercargill and Nuggets in Dunedin.